Galaxy AI Pioneers Program: Samsung’s Mission to Build an AI-Savvy Generation

Exclusive interview with Shafi Alam, Director and Head of Direct-to-Consumer Business & Corporate Marketing, Samsung Gulf Electronics

What inspired Samsung to launch the Galaxy AI Pioneers program, and how does it align with the UAE’s vision of building a knowledge-based, AI-savvy generation?

The Galaxy AI Pioneers program represents Samsung’s strategic vision to cultivate AI literacy at a grassroots level, democratizing AI education and making machine learning, robotics, and coding accessible to all.

Carefully structured across three age-specific cohorts, the program ensures age-appropriate learning and development. Strategically, the progam leverages a hybrid learning model that combines weekday virtual sessions with hands-on weekend training, hosted at the prestigious Coders HQ in Emirates Towers. This structure not only allows students to gain a deep understanding of AI theory, but also ensures they receive practical, real-world experience. By partnering with national initiatives such as the UAE’s National Program for Coders, we are proud to position ourselves as a pivotal contributor to the UAE’s vision for a AI-powered, knowledge-based economy.

Through the Galaxy AI Pioneers program, Samsung is empowering young minds to lead future innovation, ensuring they are equipped with the skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape.

The program covers a broad range of AI topics, including ethical considerations in AI. Could you explain why ethics is a critical part of the curriculum for students aged 12-17?

Ethics in AI is fundamental for fostering a responsible, conscientious generation of tech users and creators. Beyond ethics, however, is the equally crucial aspect of digital safety – an area that goes hand in hand with ethical considerations. In today’s world, as AI technology becomes more embedded in daily life, understanding digital safety is essential to protecting both personal and community well-being.

The curriculum includes topics like data privacy and safe online practices, teaching students to make responsible choices while navigating the digital landscape to keep themselves safe. By learning about secure coding practices and data protection, students gain a comprehensive view of how to use AI responsibly and securely. This approach instills ethical values and empowers young innovators to contribute to a safer, more secure technology ecosystem as they develop AI-driven projects.

As the program continues to grow, what kind of impact do you hope to see in the UAE’s tech landscape from these young AI pioneers in the coming years?

The comprehensive structure of the Galaxy AI Pioneers program suggests a transformative impact on the UAE’s technological landscape. The program’s meticulous progression from fundamental concepts through to sophisticated applications like machine learning, computer vision, and AI robotics lays a robust foundation for future innovation. By training students in practical tools such as Python libraries and Galaxy AI applications while simultaneously developing their understanding of ethical considerations, the program is cultivating a generation of well-rounded AI practitioners.

The final capstone project requirement ensures that the graduates emerge not just with theoretical knowledge but with demonstrable experience in creating AI solutions. This combination of technical expertise, practical experience, and ethical awareness positions these young pioneers to drive meaningful innovation in the UAE’s tech sector, potentially leading to breakthroughs in areas like natural language processing, computer vision, and robotics while maintaining a responsible approach to AI development that considers societal implications.

With the success of our pilot version of the Galaxy AI Pioneers program, which received an overwhelming response from both students and parents alike, we have begun to roll out the program as part of the curriculum within select schools across the UAE, with plans to expand further in the future.